Experience These 7 Oddly Specific Museums in Nebraska!
Nebraska has museums for just about everything from quilts to petrified wood, Bigfoot to windmills…and the list keeps going. Here are a few that might make you stop and think, “Wait, there’s a museum for that?”
Museum of the Fur Trade – Chadron
The earliest settlers and explorers were focused on one thing – fur. It’s only fitting that these folks should have an entire museum dedicated to their history and lives then, right? This is the only museum in the country dedicated to the history of the fur trade, and it’s on the site of the 1837 James Bordeaux trading post. It includes a dazzling collection of period textiles, weapons, tools and more.
Nebraska Bigfoot Crossroads of America – Hastings
If you want to learn about one of history’s most elusive creatures, this is the place in Nebraska to do it. Artifacts, photos, research and an accessible outdoor garden all await you if you want to take “a walk on the weird side.”
Museum of Shadows – Omaha
With more than 5,000 artifacts, this spot has been recognized as one of the world’s most haunted museums. If you’re feeling brave, take part in their Sit Challenge – 10 minutes alone in a dark, creepy room.
Clayton Museum of Ancient History – York
Would you expect to find a collection of Ancient Roman and Near Eastern history in Nebraska? Believe it or not, that’s exactly what you’ll see at this museum that’s part of York University. See rare artifacts from the world’s most famous empires up close.
Petrified Wood and Art Gallery – Ogallala
Petrified wood is a unique medium to highlight and this Ogallala museum does it well! They have pieces of petrified wood from all over the world and intricate art made by twin brothers Harvey and Howard Kenfield, who started collecting and crafting in the 1950s. The museum has one of the more extensive gift shops you’ll find.
Kregel Windmill Factory Museum – Nebraska City
In this time capsule to windmill technology at the turn of the 20th century, you’ll find everything the same as it was when the building housed operations for Kregel Windmill Company from 1903 to 1991. If you’re remotely interested in windmills, you can’t pass up a visit.
National Museum of Roller Skating – Lincoln
If you think it’s unique to have a museum dedicated completely to roller skating, you’d be correct. In fact, it’s the only one of its kind in the world! See exhibits and stories dating back more than 200 years. Even better, it has free admission.
